2019 World Cup: Decoding the importance of Shami
What's the story
Mohammed Shami was not the first choice pacer for Virat Kohli in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. But he came into this Indian outfit and straight away made his presence felt. After replacing the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Bengal pacer became India's match-winner against Afghanistan and West Indies. He has been terrific and could go on to become India's trump card.
Performance
Shami was terrific against Afghanistan and WI
Shami helped India clinch a thriller against the Afghans in a low-scoring affair. His hat-trick in the final over saw him etch his name in the record books. He bowled full and straight. Then against West Indies, the premier pacer stepped up and created the pressure early on. He dismissed Chris Gayle and Shai Hope to give India the breathing space.
Twitter Post
Shami second Indian to take a hat-trick in CWC
Mohammed Shami joins an elite club as he becomes the ninth player to take a hat-trick in men's World Cups! 👏#CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/X3wWKCa90B
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 22, 2019
Impact
Shami has been on top gear in 2019
In two games, Shami has eight wickets under his belt. He has the best average of 7.00 so far in CWC 19. The experienced cricketer has already raced to 25 career World Cup wickets. He has been leading the line for India this year in terms of wickets in ODIs. Since making a comeback against Australia in January, Shami has already taken 27 wickets.
Twitter Post
Shami in 2019 World Cup so far!
4/40 against Afghanistan and now 4/16 against West Indies – Mohammed Shami has made quite the entry at #CWC19#WIvIND | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/9xPsESV18h
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 27, 2019
Selection headache
The situation involving Bhuvi and Shami
Bhuvi played the first few games for India, before suffering a hamstring injury against Pakistan. The senior cricketer, who was seen training in the nets, is recovering fast as per skipper Virat Kohli. The skipper also suggested that once Bhuvi gets fit, India will have a selection headache. The manner in which Shami has performed, he might be picked over Bhuvi against England.
Quote
Kohli all praise of 'hungry' Shami
"We know that Bhuvi is a world class bowler. Shami in the last year and a half has come around amazingly well. I have never seen fitter and hungry to take wickets. And he knows how to pick wickets. He has that hunger," said Kohli.
Our take
Lethal Shami is India's trump card: Our take
Shami has been lethal in 2019 and he looks like a man on a mission. Since the series against Australia, the senior pacer has produced the goods consistently. He had an excellent IPL 2019 as well for Kings XI Punjab. Right now, Shami looks confident and India can use him as a genuine wicket-taker. We feel, Shami deserves a spot now.